How to Become a Travel Nurse: A Step by Step Guide
Travel nursing is an exciting and rewarding career path for registered nurses (RNs) looking to combine their passion for healthcare with the opportunity to explore new places and meet different people. Whether you’re seeking new experiences, higher pay, or the flexibility to live in different cities or states, travel nursing offers all of these benefits and more. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a travel nurse, here’s everything you need to know about how to become one.
1. Obtain Your Nursing Degree and License
Before you can become a travel nurse, you must first become a licensed registered nurse (RN). This typically involves completing a nursing program at an accredited school, which can range from a two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) to a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). After completing the educational requirements, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed nurse.
2. Gain Experience in Nursing
Most travel nurse agencies require candidates to have at least one to two years of experience in their specialty before they can be considered for assignments. This is crucial as travel nursing demands a certain level of expertise and the ability to work in various healthcare environments with minimal supervision. While it’s possible to travel as a nurse in many specialties, some areas, like intensive care (ICU), emergency room (ER), and med-surg nursing, are in high demand, making them great options for travel nursing roles.
For example, if you’re looking to work as a med-surg travel nurse, you’ll need experience in medical-surgical nursing. This specialty involves caring for patients with a variety of conditions, making it a versatile and in-demand field for travel nurses. The more specialized your experience, the more likely you are to secure higher-paying and more prestigious assignments.
3. Choose a Travel Nurse Agency
Once you have the necessary experience, the next step is to find a travel nurse agency. These agencies act as intermediaries between nurses and healthcare facilities, helping you secure job placements, negotiate pay rates, and arrange housing. Some well-known travel nurse agencies include American Mobile Healthcare, Aya Healthcare, and FlexCare Medical Staffing.
It’s important to research and compare travel nurse agencies before committing. Look for agencies that have a solid reputation, offer competitive pay packages, and provide support throughout your assignments. Be sure to check for reviews and speak to current or past travel nurses about their experiences with the agency.
4. Complete the Application Process
Once you’ve chosen a travel nurse agency, you’ll need to complete the application process. This typically includes submitting your resume, providing proof of your nursing license, and completing a skills checklist. Some agencies may also require you to pass additional background checks, drug tests, or health screenings.
During this process, you will also discuss your preferences for travel nursing assignments, such as your preferred locations, the type of facilities you’d like to work in, and the length of assignments you’re willing to accept. Agencies will then match you with available job openings based on these preferences.
5. Get Ready for the Adventure
After you’ve secured your first travel nursing assignment, it’s time to prepare for your adventure. Travel nurses are often provided with housing accommodations, transportation stipends, and health benefits as part of their pay packages, so you don’t have to worry about finding housing or dealing with expensive healthcare plans. However, it’s still important to have a basic understanding of how the healthcare system works in the area where you’ll be working, as each state or region may have different regulations and policies.
Many travel nurses enjoy the flexibility and excitement that come with exploring new cities and states. In addition to gaining valuable professional experience, travel nurses have the chance to immerse themselves in different cultures, try new foods, and explore exciting destinations during their time off.
6. Maintain Your Credentials and Stay Flexible
As a travel nurse, it’s essential to maintain your professional credentials, including your nursing license, certifications, and continuing education requirements. Many states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to practice in multiple states without needing separate licenses for each state. However, some states may require a specific license, so it’s important to understand the licensing requirements for each state where you plan to work.
Flexibility is also key in the travel nursing field. The nature of the job means that assignments can vary, and you may need to adapt to different healthcare settings, patient populations, and schedules. Being open to different assignments and locations will increase your chances of securing high-paying and rewarding positions.
7. Enjoy the Benefits of Travel Nursing
Travel nursing offers many advantages, including competitive pay, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to see the country (or even the world). Travel nurses often earn higher wages than their permanent counterparts, and many agencies offer bonuses, health insurance, and retirement benefits. Additionally, travel nurses have the flexibility to take time off between assignments, allowing for vacations or personal time to recharge.
Becoming a travel nurse is an exciting career move for those who are passionate about healthcare and want to experience the world while helping others. With the right training, experience, and a flexible mindset, you can thrive in this dynamic field and enjoy the unique opportunities it offers.
